Rode NT2-A: what kind of preamp?

[astro21]

Hello all,

I'm an amateur musician and have been home recording for the past few years. I never got round to buying a quality mic, but will probably end up going for the Rode NT2-A as it seems to be very versatile.

I know that I will need to get a preamp for it as my multitracker doesn't have phantom power. I don't have a clue as to what is a 'good' preamp. I see that mic preamps begin at about $40 and get much more expensive.

Would anyone be able to recommend a preamp for the NT2-A?

Thanks and sorry for sounding like a newbie... I AM a newbie

A.

[Big Kenny]

Rane, DMP
Groove Tubes Brick, Tampa, Safe Sound, Joe Meek
RNP, DAV BH, Focusrite, Grace, John Hardy, etc.

[robin watson]

Originally Posted by Big Kenny

Rane, DMP
Groove Tubes Brick, Tampa, Safe Sound, Joe Meek
RNP, DAV BH, Focusrite, Grace, John Hardy, etc.

DMP ~ John Hardy? Let's narrow things down a bit:

1. What's the rest of your set up?
2. What's your budget?

[dgatwood]

I'd probably steer you towards an AT4040 or AT4050 if you're trying to pick a single general-purpose condenser. The 4040 is about a hundred bucks less, and the 4050 is about eighty bucks more. Just my $0.02.

As for a preamp, I've read that the NT2-A can be harsh on some sources (strings in particular), so I'd want two preamps: one tube preamp (carefully choosing the right tube to add some warmth) and one clean FET preamp for other sources (voice, for example) where you want that HF boost.

[Ironklad Audio]

i've never experiences any harshness with my NT-2A...in fact, it has a much smoother character than my AT 4033

i use it with both mackie onyx and ART MPA gold preamps, and either one sounds fine with it

[Gorty]

Originally Posted by Ironklad Audio

i've never experiences any harshness with my NT-2A...in fact, it has a much smoother character than my AT 4033

i use it with both mackie onyx and ART MPA gold preamps, and either one sounds fine with it

How does the ART MPA gold pre-amp perform for you? I'm in the hunt for a pre-amp at the moment and have been looking closely at the ART MPA Gold.